ECO-TOURISM operators will likely have to come up with novel strategies to overcome the effects of the Covid-19 outbreak, said Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (MITA) president Uzaidi Udanis.

He told The Malaysian Insight that one strategy is to promote destinations previously unfamiliar to Malaysians.

“Take for example, Cherating, in Pahang, where (foreign) tourists come to watch fireflies. Many locals do not know that it is a tourist destination,” said Uzaidi.

Another challenge is that the tourism industry itself does not know when interstate travel will be allowed, or whether foreign tourists will even be allowed.

He said the tourism industry is now digitising its facilities and making good use of social media.

“Some of our travel websites have 50,000 or 100,000 followers. We haven’t made good use of promotional tourist attractions yet. Now we need to make good use of the platform.”

Uzaidi believes tourists will still want to participate in outdoor activities, such as mountain climbing, and tourism operators are able to maintain smaller groups to maintain social distancing.

“Let’s not talk about travelling abroad. We must first save local tourism and related businesses, such as local shops, restaurants and hotels,” he said.

Uzaidi pointed to a members’ online promotion homestay package, where accommodation for 10 people costs only RM250.

The homestay, he said, will receive RM3,000 cash turnover within one month while tourists can enjoy preferential prices until the end of next year.

“We need cash flow to save the local tourism industry first, then we can talk about attracting foreign tourists.

“Eco-tourism in Malaysia is still very good. We urge the Tourism Ministry and the state governments to strengthen eco-tourism and attract more locals.

“Many five-star hotels in Langkawi have been promoted. Now bookings can be made by the end of next year. Hoteliers have business and cash to maintain operations without layoffs,” he said.

Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president Tan Kok Liang believes that the promotion of tourism is of little benefit.

“The pandemic has created uncertainty. Tourists can only wait and see. Can anyone provide a date when the borders will reopen?

“Even if Sabah’s tourism is now open, for example, the federal government has yet to give the green light.

“Furthermore, the aviation industry has not yet been fully opened up. How do operators plan their travel itinerary?

“Domestic tourism is not doing well. At present, the government has been telling people to stay at home. The pandemic is a challenge for tourism, hoteliers and airlines,” Kok Liang told The Malaysian Insight.

Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association president Albert Tan believed travelling habits have been permanently changed by the epidemic.

“Many Malaysians will choose to drive themselves and will not join any tour group,” Albert said.

The guild has presence in Penang, Perak, Kuala Lumpur, Negri Sembilan, Johor, Sabah and Sarawak, with more than 1,000 members.

Albert said, as of February, the tourism industry has been in a coma, with 20% of businesses closed and many workers on unpaid leave.

“Nowadays, operators can only talk to employees about salary reductions. I believe more layoffs await.”

Senior minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob recently announced that tourism operators are allowed to open, but only for administrative and financial operations and are not allowed to make travel arrangements.

Albert said there is no need to resume businesses yet as it will only waste resources and funds, including having to pay salaries and utility bills.

“Local tourism revenue is limited, and the profits you earn cannot support the travel agency’s expenses.”

After the borders are reopened, businesses should focus on Southeast Asian countries first.

Albert estimated that travel agencies have so far suffered losses of about RM500 million, mostly from cancellations by foreign tourists.

Tourism Malaysia had launched Visit Malaysia 2020 with the aim of achieving 30 million tourist arrivals and an income of RM100 billion. – May 27, 2020.